Food Preparation Worker

Your Fit

Income

$34K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

-4.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Food Preparation Worker?

Food Preparation Workers perform a variety of tasks to assist with the preparation of food in culinary settings. They work under the direction of chefs or cooks to ensure that meals are prepared efficiently and to a high standard.

Sample job titles:

Cook, Deli Clerk (Delicatessen Clerk), Dietary Aide, Food Service Worker (FSW)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Food Preparation Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Food Preparation Worker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$24K per year	$29K per year	$34K per year	$38K per year	$44K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $15K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Food Preparation Worker do?

Work environment

Food Preparation Workers are typically found in the kitchens of restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service establishments. The environment is fast-paced and can be high-pressure, especially during peak meal times. Work may involve exposure to hot temperatures, standing for long periods, and handling kitchen equipment.

Quick task list

Chops vegetables, cuts meat, and prepares sauces.
Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils.
Assists cooks and chefs with various tasks as needed.
Stores food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
Weighs or measures ingredients.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Cold Food Prep: Specializing in salads, sandwiches, and cold appetizers.
Bakery Assistant: Assisting with the preparation of baked goods, such as bread and pastries.
Grill Prep: Preparing ingredients for grilled dishes.
Butcher Assistant: Helping with cutting, trimming, and preparing meat.
Vegetable Prep: Focusing on the preparation of vegetables and vegetarian dishes.

Description

Food Preparation Workers are integral to the smooth running of kitchen operations. Their role involves a range of tasks that are foundational to the creation of dishes, from basic chopping and measuring to more complex preparation techniques. They need to be familiar with various ingredients and kitchen equipment, and must be able to follow instructions accurately.

Efficiency and organization are key skills for this role, as food preparation workers often handle multiple tasks simultaneously. They must also maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. The ability to work well in a team is crucial, as they work closely with cooks, chefs, and other kitchen staff.

This occupation offers a valuable entry point into the culinary world for those interested in a career in food service. It provides an opportunity to learn and develop culinary skills in a practical setting, with potential pathways to more advanced culinary roles.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an essential part of a team that delivers high-quality food.
The opportunity to learn and develop culinary skills.
The fast-paced and varied nature of the work.

You might make a good Food Preparation Worker if you are...

Interested in cooking and the culinary arts.
Able to follow instructions and recipes accurately.
Organized and efficient in handling multiple tasks.
A team player who enjoys working in a collaborative environment.
Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.

Pros:

Provides a foothold in the culinary industry with opportunities for advancement.
Offers a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and cooks.

Cons:

Can involve long hours, often on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing.
The work can be repetitive and high-pressure.

How to become a Food Preparation Worker

Typical education

Generally, there are no formal education requirements for food preparation workers, and most skills are learned on the job. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred by employers. Some workers may pursue vocational training or culinary courses.

High school preparation

Courses:

Home Economics or Culinary Arts for basic cooking skills.
Health and Nutrition to understand food safety and handling.
Physical Education to maintain stamina and physical health.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in cooking clubs or culinary competitions.
Part-time or summer jobs in restaurants or food service.
Volunteering for events that involve food preparation and service.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training programs in culinary arts or food service.
Entry-level positions in kitchens to gain hands-on experience.
Short courses or certifications in food safety and handling.

More resources

National Restaurant Association - Offers educational resources and training for those in the food service industry.
ServSafe - Provides widely recognized food safety training and certification.
American Culinary Federation - Offers resources, networking, and certification for culinary professionals.
Culinary Institute of America - A renowned culinary school offering various programs and courses.
FoodService Director - Features industry news, trends, and best practices in food service.

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